Official Luthiers Forum!

Word on the street has it that McFaddens has closed! Anybody got an alternative equivalent source for lacquer??

I use Mohawk Lacquer. I've had some Mcfaddens too and I couldn't tell the difference.
http://www.mohawk-finishing.com/catalog_browse.asp?ictNbr=223

Is the rumor that Mcfaddens is closing, of just dis continueing lacquer. Alot of makers, and finishers, both large and small use Mcfaddens Polyester and Urethane.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

Hmmm...
I've heard scuttlebutt that they are going chapter 11 and re-organizing, not going under completely. Has anyone called them to ask?

I got 2 five gallon buckets back in July and there was no sense of closing when I talked with them. But then again, this is a bizarre economic climate we're in and little would surprise me now.
I hope the worst would be a Chapter 11 reorganization.

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Hank Mauel

For what it's worth, I just called Grizzly (industrial sales) and ordered 3 gallons in gallon cans and 4 qt's of the sealer. I asked the rep to check stock, and she said it was in stock and would ship today. I've got a couple gallons on hand here, and at the rate I build (sell) that should last me a while. I will be keeping my fingers crossed until I get a shipping notification though. I don't want to go back to Behlens.

Gordo

Yes, they have closed. Now,,,,, with the major manufacturers (Taylor, Fender) and others that are using their products, not even mentioning the furniture/cabinet industry, there is some hope that someone would sieze this opportunity and possibly buy the formulas or even the whole company and keep this product alive. I'm not really concerned about replacing the polyester. There are many suppliers of that although I would prefer to continue with McF's. What I will miss is the great folks that I got to deal with at McFadden's.

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jw ( o)===:::

I bet salespeople from Chemcraft, Simtec and other are scrambling for the big companies business.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

I was planning on using mcfadden's pore fillers and vinyl sealers. Does anyone know if Mohawk has similar products for their classic instrument lacquer?
Rene

I'm not sure what sealers Mohawk offers. I use Shellac for a sealer. I use CA or epoxy for pore filling.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

Behlen's is sold by Mowhawk and is carried at Grizzly. I use that for years . They have an actual instrument grade lacquer available

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I just got an email from them and will be contacted by a rep. It seems they may be back in business?

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

That didn't take long!

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jw ( o)===:::

Just got shipping confirmation from Grizzly, so whatever the situation is with McFaddens, Grizzly still has or at least had some. Summer sale priced at $33.95/gal. I'm tempted to hoard, but unfortunately low on cash. Hopefully the product will be picked up, or the company will be able to re-organize some how. I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

Gordo

They sell in gallon quantities but what you receive is all in quart containers. Grizzly says this is how they have always operated. Could be true.

I was concerned about this because I use a McF's UV cure finish and was looking for an alternative. I talked to Gordon Knight at UV III to see if he knew anything, and he gave me the contact for these guys:

Gordon Jones
Cardinal UV
1329 Potrero Ave.
So. El Monte, CA
91733

626-444-9274

cell 805-390-1866

Rickenbacker is using this now and they say they like it better than the McF stuff. Hope that helps someone else using UV.

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Searching for toasted wheat under-pinnings

When I order from Grizz I get 4 qt cans for the gallon.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Mohawk's "Classic Instrument Finish" gets good reviews from some electric builders I know. I have no experience with it. MT

Order from Grizzly arrived, 16 one qt. cans as expected..... All cans except one damaged some leaking over all the others
As with Fillipo, my order was packed loose in a cardbord box with peanuts to a total weight of 37 lbs. .... shipping dept. staffed with morons...
Initiated a damage claim, I'll probably spend more in the time getting this straightened out than the value of the material.

Not too happy with Grizzly or UPS right now,

Gordo

McFaddens is back in business.

Barry, any further background, sourcing on this news?

He he he,,,,I had a feeling Taylor and Fender wouldn't/couldn't let McF's die. Good for them!

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jw ( o)===:::

Does anyone know when McFaddens Lacquer will again be available from LMII or Stew Mac? I would rather purchase same from a known supplier & good sponsor. Have had nothing but good service from both!

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John Nowicki

I have used Star lacquer for several years. I have a stockpile,and do not know if they are still in business. I introduced others to their lacquer, and they think it is very pretty lacquer. they have an amber,and a clear nitro. The clear is the best.

Just call and see if you can order direct. That's how I get my finish from them, and I'm only ordering a quart at a time.

Received this email from Carol at Mcfaddens on Friday:

WE'RE BACK IN FULL FORCE.
Great news for the future of The Lawrence-McFadden Company.



Regards,

Carol
The Lawrence-McFadden Co.
7430 State Road
Phila., PA 19136
(p) 215-624-6333
(f) 215-624-2270
Carol@lawrence-mcfadden.com
http://www.lawrence-mcfadden.com
Everyone give a collective sigh of relief.

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Hank Mauel